The twice a year routine is the hallmark of modern day prevention in dentistry. Despite its origins, the 6-month interval has become a timeline for care, which is adjusted by the dentists depending on the patient’s caries and/or periodontal risks in order to establish and maintain oral health.
During a dental visit, patients medical and dental history are reviewed, radiographs taken if necessary, pocketing of the gingival tissue around the teeth are noted, oral cancer screening is completed, assessment of the TMJ and extra oral examination is done, assessment of teeth and finally dental prophylaxis is performed, followed up by the dentist recommending any necessary treatment or recall interval.
Interestingly, a well-known advertising executive named Claude C Hopkins first popularized the basis of this routine in order to promote the toothpaste Pepsodent. The advertisement promoted brushing daily and visiting the dentist twice a year for the “Pepsodent Smile”. The ridding of plaque or “film” became the experimental selling point, which invited consumers to run their tongue across their teeth to feel the results! The American public caught on and soon after a habit was instilled worldwide.
We now know that prolonged exposure to local factors such as plaque and calculus can cause or worsen diseases such as caries of the teeth and inflammation of the gingiva. Upon routine supervision many of these disease processes can be prevented with simple procedures such as sealants, application of fluoride varnishes and prophylaxis. Moreover, many disease processes intercepted with procedures such as restorations and scaling and root planning in preventing manifestation of dental infections.
However, with the uncertain times still looming large the population is becoming increasingly hesitant of routine visits at the dentist office in fear of exposure to the Covid 19 virus. Therefore it becomes our essential duty to educate patients on the debridement of plaque and calculus in combination with good nutrition in maintaining good oral health and the importance dental recall visits.
Dr. Arash Mobini – Toronto, Canada